FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS IMPACT SCORE?

For combat striking, the two most important metrics are count (number of strikes) and force (intensity). The Impact Score is a composite of those key numbers. Because we don’t measure force directly, like hitting a pressure plate, we had to find an indirect way to measure intensity. Good striking technique is about hitting *through* a target and not *at* the surface of the target. Therefore, hitting through a bag hard will accelerate it quicker than hitting lighter. That is what we measure for each strike. The harder you hit the more points you get and the points keep accumulating. If someone is hitting fast but lightly, they could have more points in a given workout than someone hitting very hard but not as many times. This number is one of the best ways to benchmark your progress over time. When you do the same workout, you can see if you have put out more volume/energy. For example, if you did your workout on Tuesday and got 45,000 points, and then on Thursday you did the same workout and got 52,000 points, you will have had put more effort (and sweat!) into Thursday. It is important each time that you workout to check for the same position of the Tracker on your bag and to make sure the Tracker is secured very tightly in its position so points are measured the same every time.

HOW EASY IS IT TO PUT IMPACT WRAP ON A HEAVY BAG?

It’s easy to install on pretty much any bag. If you just keep it on the same bag, this is a one-time setup. We recommend that you check the tracker before and after each workout to make sure everything is in the correct place. The tracker needs to be completely tight to the bag (or base).

Below the top three bags are listed. If you have questions on your bag, please email us at support@impactwrap.com.

Hanging bag
https://youtu.be/Mk1GqlGor7c

 

Freestanding bag
https://youtu.be/uZUJas5C-ko

 

Hanging water bag or wrecking ball
https://youtube.com/shorts/heX4yrFFdws

DIDN’T YOU HAVE A WRAP ORIGINALLY?

Yes, we had a wrap from pretty much the very beginning on prototyping but just like all technology, we’ve gotten to a smaller, better, faster device. We are down to one sensor in our current production release and will continue to evolve the product over time.

WHAT BATTERIES ARE NEEDED?

We use regular AA batteries that you can find anywhere, or you can purchase rechargeable batteries. They should last you up to 3-8 weeks (or more) depending on how much usage occurs. Just like any electronics, the more you use it, the more the batteries will wear down. For both gyms and home use, a battery life indicator is easily accessible. You will never be surprised if a bag runs out of battery during a workout. The Bag and TV Servers for Impact Gym require AC/DC power so no batteries required with those devices.

WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT DO YOU OFFER?

For gym and home owners, we’ve included free email support. Like all technology, there can be unexpected issues or questions on using the platform. We are here to help you with any of your needs with fast, friendly responses.

HOW MANY BAGS CAN I HAVE IN MY GYM?

Our entire platform is modular and flexible to accommodate any size gym. We have two different leaderboards that either hold 20 bags or 30 bags depending if you want to emphasize the timer or bag count. If you have more than 20 or 30 bags, you can simply use another TV or monitor to display the remaining users. Each TV can be programmed to show specific bags. If your gym has 3 bags or 60 bags, our system can fit your needs, helping motivate your current clients, and bringing in new members.

HOW ACCURATE IS IMPACT WRAP?

We have analyzed hundreds and hundreds of rounds of data to reach an acceptable level of accuracy during a workout. Our algorithm is smart and adjusts over time to be more accurate in detecting impacts. We talk about being within a 10-15% margin of error, or “FitBit” accurate, in terms of providing numbers that are reliable enough to benchmark and improve over time. As of now, different bag weights or setups will produce slightly different numbers. A hanging bag that has a chain and weighs 100 lbs will have different points than a 150 lbs bag with a spring since the points are based on how much you can accelerate the bag. In a gym setting, we recommend that all bags are the same size and setup for everyone to compete on a level playing field.

WHAT INFRASTRUCTURE IS REQUIRED FOR GYM INSTALLATION?

The Impact Gym uses a small Bag Server that controls up to 8 bags (or sensors) at a time. If you have 16 bags, you’ll need two Bag Servers. If you have 17 bags, you’ll need 3 Bag Servers. Once we get above 24 bags, we add in an extra Bag Server that just processes the data (does not connect to bags) for load balancing.

These Bag Servers use Bluetooth to connect to each bag so they need to be within 30 feet (10 meters) and line-of-sight of the bags. Each Bag Server needs to be connected by ethernet cable to the router in your gym or school.

To show the leaderboard, you need a TV or monitor which connects to the Bag Server, or optional TV Server, via HDMI. Best resolution for the TV or monitor is 1080p and up. Up to 20 bags can be shown on each TV or monitor and we can customize which bags show up, or even duplicated, on different screens.

You can also show the leaderboard anywhere in the gym as long as it’s connected to the network. For example, some gyms have put a leaderboard near the front desk or waiting area so anyone walking in can see it. It’s a great conversation starter and will definitely attract a lot of attention! All pricing can be clearly itemized during our free quote process.

HOW DOES IMPACT WRAP MEASURE FORCE?

“Force” is a scientific unit of measurement that requires specific types of sensors that you would need to strike directly. We originally pursued that path but realized quickly hitting specific sensors added cost, complexity and points of failure. Plus, it took away from the fun of hitting a bag since you really just want to hit anywhere. If you want target practice, you typically use focus mitts with a trainer. A bag is just for conditioning and practicing techniques. Our founder had an epiphany in the shower (apparently that’s where a lot of good ideas come from) where he realized you could measure the force indirectly if you had an accelerometer attached to the bag. The harder you hit, the faster the acceleration and the higher number you would receive.

Can you use heart rate monitors with Impact Wrap?

We have now integrated heart rate monitoring into our platform, both at the gym and at home. In the gym, you need a heart rate monitor (HRM) that uses ANT+ and at home, you need a HRM that uses Bluetooth. Some HRMs, like the Impact Wrap branded HRMs, use both ANT+ and Bluetooth.

Can I show the workout at home on a TV?

Yes, we use Chromecast in order to cast your app onto a TV. You can order a Chromecast from any major retailer like Amazon.

Does this work with circuit / station workouts like CrossFit or Boot Camps?

Yes, Impact Wrap is now enabled to offer workouts without bags. In fact, we have many gyms with separate circuit or boot camp rooms that use our timer and heart rate monitors.

DOES THIS WORK AS A TIMER?

Yes, Impact Wrap can be used as a timer in the gym or at home. We’ve got you covered in every aspect of your fitness routine.

Achievements

Impact Wrap platform for the gym comes with manual and automatic achievements and badges for members. This is great for motivation and engagement.

VIDEOS

We have integrated video and static images into our gym and at home experience. With configurable servers in the gym, you can play videos on one screen while the leaderboard is on another. It’s scalable to your needs.

At home, videos will play on your iOS or Google Impact Wrap app and can optionally be casted to your TV through Chromecast.

Do you have marketing material for gyms?

You bet. We’re there for your success and offer a whole of materials from images and source files to educational videos for staff and members.

Do you have training videos?

We have a full playlist of training videos while also offering one-on-one video training sessions. We know that getting staff up to speed is critical and we’ll give you all the tools for success. You can check them out on our Youtube playlist.

What kind of bags does this work on?

Impact Wrap can be tuned to pretty much any bag but there can be trade-offs to how we configure certain thresholds. If you have a non-standard bag, please reach out to us at support@impactwrap.com.

Can you download workout data?

Currently, workout data can be downloaded from the gym platform only. We are adding new features for home users to offer the same functionality.

What are open Workouts for the gym?

In the gym, one of our customer favorite features is our cloud-based calendar system. With this feature, staff can have workouts start automatically so everything runs like clockwork. Members see the schedule and can even reserve their bag before class.

Does Impact Wrap offer a calendar for classes?

For gyms, we have a new feature that allows users to use the platform including heart rate monitors at their own leisure. For example, lots of gyms have down time from 1pm – 4pm. With Open Workouts, members can come in any time, assign themselves to a bag and workout. Once they’re done, they tap out of the workout and the bag resets on the leaderboard. The member now has their workout data and email summary just like a typical instructor led workout.